Cruise Liner: A large ocean-going
vessel that is really a self-contained floating resort. Usually
the ship cruises at a leisurely pace and in calmer waters.
Dive Boat: A dive boat is
a vessel that is consistently used for diving and is equipped
with scuba diving equipment. The main focus of these ships are
dive trips.
Expedition Ship: An expedition
ship is designed to cruise remote waterways. These ships usually
have a shallow draft and often have an ice-hardened hull, designed
to push through broken ice. They feature Zodiacs (inflatable
rubber boats with outboard engines) that are used for exploration
and shore landings. Expedition ships focus on natural history
and culture and have on-board educational programs.
Ferry: Usually a large ship
equipped to handle automobiles and passengers. Small ferries
act as commuter conveyances in urban areas and do not carry
vehicles.
Icebreaker: An icebreaker
is specifically designed for breaking through sea ice. The collapse
of the Soviet Union forced cash-strapped research institutions
to lease research ships and icebreakers to adventure tour operators
as a way to earn hard currency. Travel to remote Polar Regions
such as the North Pole or the Far South to visit emperor penguin
rookeries requires icebreakers. Icebreaker programs generally
focus on natural history and culture, and have on-board educational
programs.
Motor Yacht: A motor yacht
is a small ship that usually holds no more that 20 passengers..
Ocean Liner: Large passenger ship designed
for travel on the ocean at a higher speed than cruise ships
and able to withstand rough seas such as in the North Atlantic..
River Barge: A large flat-bottomed
vessel built for navigating rivers and canals. Originally this
type of vessel was used to carry cargo. Today luxury vacation
barges ply the rivers and canals of Europe. Barge sizes range
from small enough for a single family up to over a hundred passengers.
Riverboat: This is a smaller
vessel designed specifically for river cruising. Styles vary
depending on the region. They are not designed for open ocean
travel and generally reflect local culture and style. Some examples
are paddle steamers on the Mississippi River, Amazon River boats,
and luxury Nile cruisers.
Sailing Vessel: A sailing
vessel is any boat that has the ability to travel under sail.
In many regions such as the Galápagos and the Caribbean, sailing
vessels typically use a combination of sail and motor power
to ensure sufficient distances are traveled
Schooner: Dating back to
19th-century ships, a vessel that is multimasted and furls triangular
sails. The foremost mast is always shorter than the others.
Small-Ship: A small ship
is similar to an expedition ship in style, but is not designed
for extremely remote or prolonged open ocean cruising. They
usually have tenders instead of Zodiacs, and many carry sea
kayaks and other recreational craft. Small ships tend to ply
more sheltered waters, such as the Inside Passage to Alaska,
Mexico's Sea of Cortez, etc. While guides and naturalists are
usually present, there is generally a lighter approach to learning
when compared with expedition ships.
Steamboat: A small vessel
used for inland waterways. Sometimes referred to as a paddlewheeler.
Tall Ships: Sailing vessels,
usually two or three masted.
